Lot 219: Maserati 3200 GT Trofeo Light

With the 3200 GT in 1998 Maserati returned to its roots. The luxury coupé was styled by Italdesign, whose founder and head Giorgetto Giugiaro penned, among others, the classic Ghibli, Bora and Merak. The 3200 GT shared the Quattroporte IV's and Shamal's twin-turbo 3.2-liter V8, revised and tuned to 370 bhp while the 3200 GTA was equipped with an automatic gearbox and its engine delivered 368 bhp. The top speed is 177 mph (285 km/h), while the 0-60 dash is completed in around 5 seconds. The 104.8 inch wheelbase was just a centimeter longer than that of the Quattroporte IV, explaining the 3200 GT's class-leading cabin space. The car is certainly capable of carrying 4-up in comfort. The most remarkable detail of its design is the tail-lights consisting of the LED diodes placed in the shape of boomerang. The car was replaced in the beginning of 2002 by similarly designed successor, when Maserati decided to return to the US market. The original boomerang tail-lights had to be replaced because they didn't fulfill the US requirements for better visibility of the car's rear end during driving at night. From 2004 onwards Maserati produced, together with Italian specialists Italtecnica, the Trofeo Light racing version of the 3200 GT. Only 8 of these were ever built for an exclusive one make series. This version is considerably lighter (1150 Kg dry weight,) thanks in part to the use of composite materials for the bodywork, with substantial aerodynamic modifications. It has a front splitter and adjustable rear wing, while the wheel arches have been widened. The suspension has been completely revised with a new structure and tubular steel arms. The performance of the 4244 cc 90 degree V8 engine has been increased and now puts out 430 horsepower at 7000 rpm. Described by the vendor as in excellent condition throughout, this is surely the ultimate trackday car and is certain to be a future collectors' item. Nur 8 dieser fantastischen, in Zusammenarbeit mit Italtecnica entstandenen Maserati Trofeo Light wurden je gebaut. Mit einem deutlich reduzierten Gewicht von nur 1150 kg und einer auf 430 PS erhöhten Leistung ist dies sicherlich einer der seltensten Maserati der Neuzeit und sicherlich eine lohnende Investition für die Zukunft.